Sagaing Division

   One of Burma's 14 states and divisions, with an area of 93,701 square kilometers (36,178 square miles), making it Burma's second largest regional jurisdiction, and an estimated population in 2000 of 5.3 million (1983 census figure: 3.8 million). The divisional capital is Sagaing, which was briefly a royal capital and is located across the Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady) River from Mandalay. Presently, Sagaing is a major center for Buddhist study and meditation, with many monasteries located on Sagaing Hill. Sagaing Division comprises eight districts (Sagaing, Shwebo, Monywa, Katha, Kalay, Tamu, Mawlaik, and Hkamti) and 37 townships. To the north and west, it shares a long border with India, and the Chindwin (Chindwinn) River runs through the division from north to south. The Chindwin joins the Irrawaddy River at the place where Sagaing, Magwe (Magway), and Mandalay Divisions meet. Sagaing Division's topography is complex: In the south, it is mostly lowlands, but hills and mountains are found to the north and the west, especially along the border with India (the Patkai Range and the Naga Hills). Nwemauk Peak is one of Burma's highest mountains, at 3,827 meters (12,553 feet). Although Burmans (Bamars) form the majority of the population, there are also significant numbers of Shans, Chins, and Nagas. Forest resources are abundant, although they are being depleted. Important crops include rice, maize, wheat, millet, groundnuts, sugarcane, sesame, pulses and beans, and sunflowers. Livestock raising and freshwater fisheries are also economically important. Many of Sagaing Division's abundant resources reach India by way of border trade.

   Shwebo (Yadanatheinkha), located to the northwest of Sagaing city, was the hometown and royal capital of King Alaungpaya, who established the Konbaung Dynasty in 1752.